Post #359033 by martiki on Mon, Feb 4, 2008 9:40 AM

Cheers, everyone!

I thought I'd share this brilliant email that I received about the article:

"I am a veteran Bay Area restaurant professional, I try to take my job seriously,
while providing an experience that exceeds my guests' expectations. My application
has been accepted for the Master Sommelier Advanced Course, something for which I am
proud, yet humble. I have to mention that I never fail to read the Food and Wine
sections, as well as Michael Bauer's reviews.
I always want to present the hospitality industry in the best possible light; I do
think that some people may consider restaurant employees less capable or educated
that those in other professions. We deal rather intimately with food and drinks
we present to our guests, and these guests deserve our outmost care and concern.
This includes health-related issues, the manner in which we handle products and
serviceware, our own personal cleanliness and safety and sanitation procedures,
including those prescribed by law.
I was shocked at the photo you used of the co-owner/"tiki-ologist" of Forbidden
Island.
Using the photo of a shoeless Martin Cate, was at the very least inappropriate and
in bad taste, as well as a violation of Health Department laws and standards. I
guess we know where I am never going for a drink, and I will make it a point to
let anyone else I come in contact with, whether they are other restaurant
employees or potential customers, aware of my concerns and feelings on this
subject. I hope that Mr. Cate is more concerned about appropriate (and legal)
restaurant standards and practices than his picture would lead one to believe."

In fact, that just one of two that I got saying the same thing.

So to set the record straight, no I do not tend bar barefoot.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, I don't wear pants while behind the bar.